The Royal High School drama program will present Don Zolidis’ play “The Craving,” billed as “a comedic adventure that starts with heartfelt love and turns into zombie mania,” beginning Thursday and continuing through Dec. 11.

“It’s a new play and so it hasn’t had the chance to become well-known, but I have the feeling it’s going to be. It’s just great for high school,” said Joy Enright, director of the school’s drama program.

The play is about a screenwriter who writes a screenplay that is meant to be romantic, but Hollywood moviemakers turn it into a zombie horror movie.

“I read the script and it was laugh-out-loud funny, which is always a great sign, and I just thought it was a wonderful play for teenagers,” said Enright. “Since we are in Southern California, the film business is such an important part of our lives here. The fact that it makes fun of movie-making also made it really appealing to me.”

About 50 students are involved in the production, including Tyler Fawcett, 16, a junior and president of the school’s drama program. He plays Terry, the screenwriter.

“I feel like my character is the only sane person in the Hollywood scene. And he’s the only person who knows the reality of what’s going on,” said Tyler.

Seventeen students are in the cast, but some of the roles have been double-cast. Also playing Tasha is Alanna Tilson, 17, a senior. Senior David Buff, 17, doubles as Terry.

Isabella described some of the other characters: “We have the kind of evil, conniving director; the new girl to Hollywood — she’s a really good actress, but really nervous; the stereotypical, studly male character who’s kind of just like the hunk, but not very bright; and a professional horror film actress who is really intense about everything.” The evil director has an assistant who is an ex-roller derby queen, Isabella added.

Enright hired Will Shupe, a professional set designer, to create the set.

“The set should be awesome. It has to transform in a small space from New Jersey to Hollywood to the set of the horror movie, which is a forest,” said Enright, noting that Shupe often designs sets for the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center.

Although zombies are involved, the play is appropriate for all ages.

“We’re not going to make the makeup very intensive since we all have quick costume changes, so it kind of has to be the basic zombie makeup,” Isabella said.

“There’s comic violence, but they’re technically in a rehearsal, so it’s very silly,” Enright added.

The fall production is a fundraiser to help raise money for the school’s spring musical.

The program needs to earn around $3,000, according to Enright. Along with the play, it will also hold bake sales and other fundraisers.

“We have a tremendous cast and we’ve been working really hard on the play, so we hope that everyone who can, comes and sees it and supports the arts at Royal,” Isabella said.

“The Craving” will open Thursday and continue with shows Friday, Saturday and Dec. 9-11. All performances will begin at 7 p.m. in the school’s MPR Building.

Tickets are $12 for reserved numbered seats (in the first three rows), $10 for general admission, $5 for students with ASB cards, and free for seniors and children younger than 12.